Unpaid wages: LMC reads the riot act to clubs

The League Management Company (LMC) has warned all Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs on the implementation of players’ contracts and payment of their remunerations.

The LMC stated this following reports of failure by clubs to pay players their wages.

A memo signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar, on behalf of the LMC’s Executive Board led by its Chairman, Nduka Irabor, stated that after their findings on the matter the LMC warned clubs of the consequences of breaching applicable provisions of the NPFL Framework and Rules, 2013/14 season.

Abubakar, in the three-page letter to NPLF clubs chairmen yesterday, stated clearly the LMC’s unhappiness over how clubs have treated the issue of players’ wages.

The letter read in part: “It has variously been reported that some of you have arbitrarily terminated players’ contracts, some have unilaterally changed and imposed new contract terms on players, and some have failed to pay the stipulated player’s remuneration with the result that players are owed several months in arrears.

“There have been reports also of the deplorable situation in at least one club where the players have embarked on strike en-masse to press home their demand for their entitlements. These unwelcome reports, where established, are violations of Rules 9.42, 9.44 and 9.45.”

The body also set July 19 as deadline for clubs to submit proof of compliance with its Financial Requirements.

It warned that the LMC shall, “In line with the regulations, apply sanctions of specific natures on clubs found to have been in breach of obligations to players and also take other steps it deems proper to safeguard the interest of players and all stakeholders.

“Pursuant to powers granted the LMC by Rule 8.1.1 of the NPFL Framework and Rules for the 2013/2014 Season which deals with Club Finance, I have been directed to request that you submit the following documents for verification of your club’s compliance with regulations on players’ salaries:

“Club Pay roll (electronic or hardcopy), evidence of payment (Bank transfers or signed pay vouchers) and any other proof Clubs may deem fit to submit,” read the memo signed by Abubakar.